How We Misjudge Dogs By Size and Color

In the top selling book: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, author Malcolm Gladwell explores the indelible impact of the first impression. His research details how the human brain forms instantaneous assumptions based on (frequently misread) visual cues.

This information is gathered in the first two seconds of viewing someone or something previously unknown. Mr. Gladwell's conclusions give credence to the wisdom suggested by the old adage: "Never Judge A Book By Its Cover."

Unfortunately, many people are guilty of applying those same illogical standards to choosing a pet. Big Black Dog Syndrome (BBDS) is sadly, a well known term among animal rescue groups.

According to blackpearldogs.com, a website dedicated to dispelling the generalized cliché that large, dark dogs are dangerous, "Black dogs are commonly the last, if at all, to be adopted. Destined for death in many shelters they are passed up…"

Blame goes partially to decades of fiction and fairytales that repeatedly portray large black dogs as a specter of danger and death. The fearful beast in Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles was oversized and dark. And according to Explore Phantom Black Dogs, a book edited by Bob Trubshaw, old wive's tales about fearsome large black dogs are tradition all over the world:  

"The folklore of phantom black dogs is known throughout the British Isles. …there are tales of huge spectral hounds 'darker than the night sky' with eyes 'glowing red as burning coals'. "

In addition to having a bad reputation, black dogs simply don't photograph well.
This is especially unfortunate as the majority of dog adoptions are made through inquiries based on photographs displayed on the internet. Large black dogs are rarely sought after unless people are seeking animals for protection.

The facial expressions of black dogs are often lost in the shadowy darkness of their fur, making it difficult for humans to ascertain the dog's true emotions. A friendly dark dog who is simply panting with an open mouth can easily scare off potential adopters. Such an unintentional show of bright white teeth in this type of dog is often misintererpreted as a snarl.

Fortunately there are some who are willing to see beyond such prejudice. Sheldon is a lucky mixed breed who recently found himself a new home in the RiverDell area with the Model family. Stacey and Eric Model, as well as their three young children were not at all discouraged by his size or color.

Ink-black and tall enough to kiss the nose of a grown adult when he stands up on his hind legs, Sheldon was not garnering a lot of love prior to being placed with the Models.

"We got him from a wonderful organization called Roger's Rescues which frequently adopts out "last chance" dogs to people in our area," Stacey Model explained. " Sheldon was originally stuck in a kill-shelter in Kentucky. There were no takers for him. If Roger's Rescues hadn't saved him he would surely have been dead." 

If the Models are at all afraid of Sheldon it doesn't show. Their three children, ranging in ages from 7 to 11, gleefully roll around on the carpet with the delighted dog. Sheldon is a lover, not a biter, but clearly his size and darkly intent profile had previously put off any potential adopters.

Sheldon has integrated beautifully into his new life. Proof of his gentlemanly nature is evident in the restraint he shows around the happily energetic Model children. Watching him snuggle up to their youngest daughter, it's hard to imagine Sheldon as an object of fear.

But Linda Lyman, president of rescue organization New Jersey Greyhound Friends (NJGF), concurs that it is through an unrealistically negative prism that  such dogs are viewed. "Black females are just a little bit easier," she says. "But the black males are particularly hard to find homes for."

NJGF is a organization that houses and has found many permanent homes in the RiverDell area for "retired" greyhounds, most of which have served time racing at a track. When these dogs are no longer viable as racers or when a track closes due to financial problems, the greyhounds are sometimes abandoned, starved to death, sold for medical research or killed.

Kilmacow Joe is a perfect example of a big black dog in trouble. "The very kind track folks in Florida that we work with knew how sweet and friendly he is," Ms. Lyman says. "They asked us to take him. Joe was passed over again and again by so many other rescue groups. If we didn't help he would be lost forever. I know we'll have him here a good long time before he's adopted."

Kilmacow Joe is just one of countless adoptable, loving dogs whose appearance hinders the search for a loving home. While human nature makes it easier to respond lovingly to a fluffy little pup, things that are easier are not necessarily better.

So now you know.
And as social reformer William Wilberforce said:

""You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know."

If you are considering adopting a dog, please take the Big Black Dog Syndrome into consideration when you make your choice.